Moving on is a way of life in college football.
It’s no different in the SEC, where talented players are expected to plug holes left by talented players.
Every team is impacted by early departures and graduation.
Here are five, in particular, who are under the most pressure to replace departed stars in 2016.
Nick Fitzgerald, QB, Mississippi State
Fitzgerald (or Damian Williams) will replace the most irreplaceable player in the SEC from 2015 — Dak Prescott.
Unfair or not, whatever drop in production, points, wins the Bulldogs suffer in 2016 will fall on the new quarterback’s shoulders.
Bo Scarbrough, RB, Alabama
All he has to do is replace a record-breaking running back who won the Heisman Trophy and national championship. Fortunately for the Tide, Scarbrough, who looks a lot like Derrick Henry, already is making Nick Saban happy.
Saban on Bo Scarbrough: "I think there's a lot of things to improve on, but he's capable of doing things we need him to do."
— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) April 2, 2016
Heir apparent?: RB Bo Scarbrough shines in first spring scrimmage Saturday https://t.co/IrWtBTGy2R pic.twitter.com/176pv0iWWR
— Alex Byington (@_AlexByington) April 2, 2016
If the Bo Scarbrough hype train had already left the station before, it's in orbit now.
— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) April 2, 2016
Jalen Tabor, CB, Florida
By most accounts, including Vernon Hargreaves’, Tabor outplayed Hargreaves last season.
The task will be more difficult in 2016, as Tabor steps into the No. 1 lockdown corner role that Hargreaves held down for three seasons.
Not every hitter can handle batting cleanup, just like not every receiver is capable of being a No. 1.
The Gators have to hope Tabor is up to the task.
Damore’ea Stringfellow, WR, Ole Miss
Chad Kelly isn’t going to stop throwing the ball because Laquon Treadwell left early for the NFL. Whoever replaces Laremy Tunsil at left tackle also qualifies for this list, but Kelly’s going to throw it 35-plus times whether in the pocket or on the run.
Stringfellow was productive in a co-starring role last season. He and Quincy Adeboyejo are stepping up to leading men in 2016, filling the gap left by Treadwell’s 82 catches, 1,153 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Arkansas’ backfield
We’re not sure yet who they be — though Austin Allen seems a safe bet to replace older brother Brandon at quarterback.
But the Hogs also lost 2015 leading rusher Alex Collins (1,577 yards, 20 TDs) and 2014 leading rusher Jonathan Williams (1,190, 12 TDs).
In both cases, Arkansas will turn to relatively inexperienced players. Kody Walker, the top backup last season, reportedly was productive in Saturday’s scrimmage. Touted signee Devwah Whaley might be asked to contribute immediately.
Managing Editor
A 30-time APSE award-winning editor with previous stints at the Miami Herald, The Indianapolis Star and News & Observer, Executive Editor Chris Wright oversees editorial operations for Saturday Down South.
